A panoramic view of the dynamic forces that have shaped one of the most important regions of the world, and how the region's oil, religion and politics have intertwined to create a volatile mix. 91 minutes.

Movie Reviews

An historically accurate account

Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 10/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lifting The Fog: Intrigue In The Middle East is an informed and informative document providing the viewer with an historically accurate account of the events that led to and continue to maintain the violence and conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Beginning with the discover of oil in 1908, continuing through to the formation of Israel, down to the events of the Persian Gulf War, Lifting The Fog documents the deals made between international power brokers beginning with the British and French occupations of Palestine and Egypt, the emergence of an American involvement, and the influence of an emerging international oil industry that used their own political agendas to create the Middle East as it is today. Noted scholars Noam Chomsky, Nubar Hovespian and Edward Said, among others, provide invaluable commentary, while historical films of all the key battles and personalities provide an outstanding visual chronology. Lifting The Fog is a very highly recommended contribution to academic and community libraries, and "must" viewing for anyone trying to understand the background to the events that would eventually drag the United States into a world-wide war against international terrorism."

Essential Information for Understanding Middle East Conflict

Midwest Book Review | 10/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This video presents the historical facts that underlie not only the current Arab/Israel conflict, but sheds light on the problems the United States faces dealing with the whole Middle East. In contrast to the propaganda and Hollywood stereotypes that "fog" the truth, this film presents facts and photos that show BOTH sides of the current conflict. In addition, the scholars (both Jewish and Arab)in this film suggest, Western imperialism, ignorance, and bigotry are significant factors in the current political problems. Actually, this film illuminates the basic problems the U.S. faces not only in the Middle East, but also in South America, Asia, and Africa--anywhere 20th century imperialistic policies have created complex conflicts that threaten world peace today. A brave, accurate and honest report."

A Great Documentary

Brian D. Tuttle | 10/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great documentary about a very complex region. However this documentary is likely to distress unconditional supporters of Israel since it does not present the usual pro-Israeli propaganda."

A Documentary that everyone should see

Montoya | Las Vegas, NV USA | 11/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary relies heavily on ideology from Chomsky with a smattering of history that leaps straight out of Dilip Hiro's books. While this documentary is definitely biased in favor of the Palestinians and opposes the Israeli view, all of the arguments are well-documented and the material goes a long way to dispel much of the anti-Palestinian propaganda we have been fed in the West [especially] since 1972. If you have any interest in hearing an alternative point of view on the Middle East this is your documentary, and it also contains much on the real underlying factors [namely oil and commerce] in the marginalization of huge segments of the Middle East's population."

History/Opinion of West's Desire for Mideast Oil & the Arab

Brian D. Tuttle | NY, United States | 10/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found this film quite interesting. Yes, it is biased, but what documentary isn't? For that matter, what history isn't? One of the problems in this time of "globalism" is that we have access to all of this information from all over the world, but many people don't seem to care what others think as long as we get the economic benefits of "globalism" (which is not really a new concept - certainly the "colonial period" was a form of globalism.)

This film was made in 1991, and has an anti-Gulf War bias. OK, now that you know that, you can safely view the film and realize the historical events that it includes will support those views. While viewing it, you might be able to see the world through a view that you are not accustomed to, and this is not something any intelligent person should feel threatened by, whether one agrees or disagrees. If the view can distinguish fact from opinion, then there should be no problem.

The events that are depicted in the film through footage and quotes are factual. Contrary to one reviewer's comments, there are absolutely no anti-semitic comments in the film. It is a discussion of the West's desire for Middle Eastern oil since World War I, how they've secured it, and the Arab response to this. Nothing more. Facts are presented in toe form of footage, quotes, and discussion. Once the facts are given, several speakers voice their opinion. You can take that or leave it - but if we are going to be dependent on other nations in this "global" economy, we might do well to try to understand what motivates them.

Of course, this movie isn't complete. I don't know what history book or documentary is. However, it can be used to (1) increase your knowledge or review events related to the topic at hand; (2) hear the viewpoints of others and decide for yourself whether you agree or disagree. If you don't even know their viewpoint, how will there ever be a compromise that could lead some sort of peace.

I recommend this film, in combination with whatever other Middle East study material you'd like to learn from."